William Zabka

 ( 1965 Births ) 

Later in the 1980s, Zabka appeared in the comedy movies Just One of the Guys (1985) and Back to School (1986). He co-starred on the CBS television series The Equalizer as the son of the title character (198689). Zabka also played Jack, Audrey's jock boyfriend, in National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985). Zabka later tried to step away from playing the class bully character. In an interview, Zabka mentioned that he was sometimes hassled in public by random people due to the villainous characters he was best known for. In 1986 he had some smaller roles in films such as and Back to School, while also returning as Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid Part II.

During the 1990s and 2000s, Zabka acted mostly in independent films while studying to be a filmmaker. In 2003, he wrote and produced the short film Most (aka The Bridge) shot on location in the Czech Republic and Poland. Most had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2003 and won numerous awards at prestigious film festivals, including Best of Festival at the Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films in 2003. In 2004, Zabka was nominated for an Academy Awards for Most in the Live Action Short Film category.

In 2007, Zabka directed and starred in a music video for the band No More Kings' song, "Sweep the Leg." The video stars Zabka as a caricature of himself, living in a trailer in the desert and obsessed with his role in The Karate Kid. The video includes cameos by several of the original Karate Kid cast members, including Martin Kove and Ralph Macchio.

In 2010, Zabka directed Rascal Flatts in their music video for the song "Why Wait" and also directed the video for their 2017 hit "Yours If You Want It." That same year, Zabka made a cameo appearance in the comedy movie Hot Tub Time Machine.

In 2013, Zabka and Macchio guest starred in the season 8 episode of How I Met Your Mother, "The Bro Mitzvah." Zabka also appeared in several episodes of the sitcom's ninth season, playing a fictional version of himself. Zabka also directed commercials for clients including Little Tikes and Verizon Wireless at Heresy in Venice, California. He also voiced Johnny Lawrence along with 2 other characters in an episode of Robot Chicken entitled "Caffeine-Induced Aneurysm".

On August 4, 2017, it was announced that Zabka would reprise his role as Johnny Lawrence in a 10-episode Karate Kid revival series for YouTube Red titled Cobra Kai that debuted in 2018. Zabka also co-executive produces the series with Ralph Macchio. The series begins 33 years after the events of the first film, and revolves around a down and out Johnny who, seeking to rebuild his life, reopens the Cobra Kai dojo. It reignites his rivalry with a now successful Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), who has been struggling to maintain balance in his life without the guidance of his now deceased mentor, Mr. Miyagi. The series ran for six seasons, concluding in 2025, with Zabka receiving praise for his passion and ability to convey complex emotions, particularly in dramatic scenes involving his character's past and relationships with other characters along with the characters redemption arc.

In November of 2024 Zabka appeared on the Tonight Show Starting Jimmy Fallon Show in celebration of The Karate Kids 40th anniversary. He also appeared as a celebrity guest on Password.

In 2025 Zabka made a cameo appearance as Johnny Lawrence in the final scene of the film .

Since returning to his role as Johnny Lawrence, Zabka has started training in karate regularly along with tang soo do. He also enjoys spending time outdoors surfing, scuba diving and river rafting.

• Profile, zabka.com